Recycling Refresher

By now, a good majority of us recycle which is great for our landfills and resources in general. Bottles, cans, paper – these seem pretty straight-forward, but just in case, here are some more tips to keep in mind to decide whether something should go in the trash vs. the recycle bin.

Pizza Boxes – Even though these are made of cardboard, these shouldn’t be recycled. Oily food stains can contaminate an entire batch of recycling. Reason being that at the mill, recycled paper is mixed with water to create a slurry and oil and water don’t mix.

Lids and Caps – To be safe, separate lids & caps before recycling. For years, consumers were told to remove water bottle caps before recycling. Now, given the need for that type of plastic, some organizations are encouraging caps on. Check your local recycler’s policy.

Paint, Cleaners, Oil, Batteries, Pesticides – These should never be thrown in the trash or recycle bin. Call the Department of Sanitation or Public Works to find out how you can get rid of these hazardous items.

Clothes Hangers – While they aren’t candidates for curbside recycling, many dry-cleaners and second-hand stores accept them for reuse.

Final Word: Before you throw something into the trash, consider Freecycle – a great way to give your unwanted goods an environmentally-friendly, new life. Also, visit Earth911.com to find out how you can recycle just about anything.